A Bangladeshi art exhibition has opened in Rome under the patronage of the Vatican, marking what organizers describe as a milestone for the country's cultural diplomacy and international artistic presence.
Titled "Echoes of Bengal – Art for Peace Pilgrimage," the exhibition was officially inaugurated on July 3 at the Grand Hall of Palazzo della Cancelleria. Organized by HerNet Foundation and HerNet Fine Arts in collaboration with the Apostolic Nunciature (Embassy of the Holy See) in Dhaka, the exhibition is curated by Alisha Pradhan.
According to the organizers, this is the first time a Bangladeshi art organization has presented an international exhibition under Vatican patronage, providing a platform to showcase Bangladesh's artistic heritage to global audiences.
The opening ceremony was attended by Archbishop of Bangladesh, Archbishop Kevin S. Randall, Apostolic Nuncio to Bangladesh; Prince Hugo Windisch-Graetz; Bishop Paul Tighe; Roberto Collavale of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, alongside representatives from diplomatic, religious and cultural communities.
HerNet Foundation Chairman Monir Prodhan, Founder and General Secretary Alisha Pradhan, Director Rayan Pradhan, Chairperson Hosna Prodan and Treasurer Mehjabin Pradhan Faiza also attended the event.
The exhibition brings together works by established and emerging Bangladeshi artists, women artists, members of the Bangladeshi diaspora and international participants, highlighting themes of peace, cultural identity and shared humanity.
Participating Bangladeshi artists include A. Rahman, Ahmed Nawaz, Anisuzzaman Anis, Dilruba Latif, Farida Yesmin Parveen, Hasura Akther Rumky, Jamal Ahmed, Lutfa Mahmuda, Md. Ziaur Rahman, Rajaul Islam Lovelu, Ratnashwar Sutradhwar, Rokeya Sultana, Sultanul Islam, Uttam Kumar Karmaker and Zannat Keya. International artists Paola Belfore and Peter Jonas of the United Kingdom are also taking part.
The wider exhibition also features works by prominent Bangladeshi artists, including Rafiqun Nabi, Monirul Islam, Farida Zaman, Kanak Chanpa Chakma, Mohammad Iqbal, Abdul Mannan and several other veteran artists.
Speaking about the exhibition, curator Alisha Pradhan said Echoes of Bengal seeks to present Bangladesh's artistic heritage to an international audience while promoting peace through art.
An art camp was also held on July 1 in the courtyard of Palazzo della Cancelleria, where Bangladeshi and international artists created artworks and exchanged ideas. Archbishop Kevin S. Randall, Monir Prodhan and representatives of the Bangladesh Embassy in Rome visited the camp and interacted with participating artists.
Organizers said the exhibition aims to strengthen cultural ties between Bangladesh, Italy and the Holy See while creating new opportunities for Bangladeshi artists to engage with museums, galleries, collectors and cultural institutions in Europe and beyond.
